Working Group Meeting #8 June 18, 2014
Community Input The following slides present frequency of input compiled from: Two public workshops Five Working Group meetings Interdepartmental interviews Countywide online survey 2
Community Input Charge Elements Building Location, Use & Design Circulation Open Space Cultural Resources Environment & Energy 3
CIRCULATION: EXISTING ASSESSMENT Major Minor Metro Access Bus Stop Major Entry Pedestrian Path Informal Subgrade Path 4
CIRCULATION- PEDESTRIAN : EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES Metro Access Bus Stop Major Entry Pedestrian Path Informal Subgrade Path 5
CIRCULATION- VEHICULAR : EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES Major Minor Bus Stop Major Thoroughfare Minor Thoroughfare 6
SITE CONSIDERATIONS: TOPOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES 1. As a plateau, it stands prominently above its surroundings and has advantageous see and be seen qualities. 2. The study area has significant topo variation from north to south 3. The site has layers of metro landings directly adjacent to the north and west end of the study area 4. The metro mezzanine connects to underground parking, the amc theatre and is approximately the same level as Verizon plaza 7
Circulation Input 1. Consider dedicating 15 th St. to pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, taxis, additional open space 2. Improve underground Metro access, open Metro to square, daylighting 3. Improve number of available public parking spaces/access 4. Activation of square through development 5. Extend Uhle St. and create a promenade with active frontage 6. Improve wayfinding for public parking 8
Other Circulation Issues Nature of 14th and 15 th streets? Extension of Uhle Street? Garage as cut-through? Access and loading locations? Parking for public safety vehicles? 9
Circulation Images 10
OPEN SPACE ASSESSMENT : Several types of opens spaces and parks within 10 min walking distance Currently no grand civic open space Opportunity for grand civic space that adds value to the county and complements existing amenities 11
SITE CONSIDERATIONS: TOPOGRAPHY CHALLENGES 1.Site elevations drop off dramatically to the south and east of the courthouse square site. This poses challenges to the walkability from Rosslyn and the residential blocks to the south. 2.As a plateau, it stands prominently but distinctly separate from it s surroundings. 12
Open Space Input 1. Flexible space to accommodate different types of events 2. Community town square, civic space, third place, all ages, nexus 3. Farmers market shed / grocery store 4. Better connections, walkable, accessible 5. More trees 6. Water feature, possible ice rink, possible children s play feature, public art 13
Other Open Space Issues Ratio of hardscape to softscape? Ramble and grove concepts? 14
Open Space Images 15
Community Input Charge Elements Building Location, Use & Design Circulation Open Space Cultural Resources Environment & Energy 16
Buildings 17
Buildings Input 1. Create new development to be multiple buildings lining the square (typically lower scale) as an active enclosure 2. Activation of square through ground floor of surrounding new development 3. Incorporate new public rooftops with restaurants, parks, views along the square. 4. Place buildings to maximize open space. 5. Verizon Plaza is dead space Incorporate as new development site. 6. Cap off end of AMC theatre with a liner of active frontage 18
Other Buildings Issues Verizon, Court Square West, AMC Theatre, Strayer and Landmark Block as development sites? Ground floor treatment of new development? Building heights and massing? 19
Buildings 20
Cultural Resources 22
Cultural Resources Input 1. Keep, and expand the farmers market possible enclosure/shed structure for a more permanent presence. 2. Incorporate a cultural/visitor/performance/living heritage center and/or library on the square. 3. Retain the historic trees. 4. Keep the movie theatre, possibly in another form/structure such as underground or as an integrated part of a new building. 5. Incorporate public rooftop access, gardens, and performances. 6. Incorporate constant programming to activate the square events, festivals, not just a lawn. 23
Other Cultural Resources Issues Historic buildings on Landmark block? 24
Cultural Resources SCULPTURE PARK Millennium Park, Chicago, IL Program Option/ Recommended Location Proposed Trees / Natural 25
Cultural Resources 26